The Few, The Proud, The...Jewish?

I had indispensable training in becoming an observant Jew: the U.S. Marines.

In the entire U.S. military there are about 50 Orthodox Jews -- and I am one of them.

I was born in Kiev, Ukraine, and in 1976, when I was five, my parents, sister and I immigrated to Seattle. I grew up mostly not observant, but maintained some connection to Judaism during the summers when I would attend a Chabad day camp. My family and I would also go to Seattle's Chabad House once in a while during the holidays, mostly for the free food and ample vodka.

As a kid I always wanted to serve my country. By nature I was stringent and never did anything in a half-hearted way, so I decided that I would join the best fighting force in the world, the United States Marines.

The typical Jewish reaction was: "What's a nice Jewish boy doing in the Marines?" My parents, who escaped the USSR to keep me from having to serve in the Soviet military, thought I was crazy. I showed them! On February 8, 1989, four days after my 18th birthday, I shipped off to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.

On the third day of boot camp, a mean drill instructor approached the platoon and barked, "All my Jews, stand up!"

On the third day of boot camp, we were sitting in formation when a mean drill instructor (they are all mean) approached the platoon and barked, "All my Jews, stand up!" I thought to myself, "Here we go -- the persecution of the Jews is about to begin." Out of 87 recruits, I was the only one to stand up. He ordered me to report to a Major standing off in the distance, which I nervously did.

I saluted and said, "Sir, Private Ekshtut reporting as ordered, Sir!"

I will never forget the first thing he said to me. "Do you know that you are one tenth of one percent of all of Marines in the Marine Corps?" He introduced himself as Major Goldberg or some similar Jewish name, and explained that only one in a thousand Marines is Jewish. He then invited me to attend Friday night services at the nearby Navy chapel. I accepted.

I went on to serve overseas, in exotic locations like Okinawa, Korea, the Philippines and Bangladesh. During the first Gulf War, I was deployed for seven months on a Navy ship in the Middle East. That winter, I lit Chanukah candles in the middle of the Persian Gulf.

After four years of active duty, I continued to serve one weekend a month and two weeks a year in the Marine Reserves. After graduating college as a Civil Engineer, I spent a few months in Israel where I decided I needed to learn more about what it means to be a Jew.

After several years of learning, I was going to synagogue every Shabbat, putting on teffilin every morning, and trying to keep kosher. The only time I could not keep the Sabbath was when I was doing my monthly weekend duty in the Reserves. It was not that I wasn't allowed -- on the contrary. The more observant I became the more supportive everyone was. I lit candles and made Kiddush in the barracks on Friday night and my friends would even do the work that was prohibited for me on the Sabbath. But in the Reserves, Saturday is the main training day.

It was time for me to make a decision: leave my beloved Marine Corps or stay in the Marines and not observe the Sabbath fully, one weekend a month?

After nearly 13 years of service, I left the military to keep Shabbat.

A lot of what I learned in the Marines made me a better Jew. Jewish observance is similar to military training, except you don't have to sweat as much or crawl in the mud.

Being a Marine taught me self-discipline and responsibility, how to answer to a "higher authority," the value of teamwork, family and community, pride and self-esteem. By being charged by the real Commander-in-Chief, God, to wake up early and go to minyan, put on teffilin, pray three times a day, keep kosher and live in a Jewish community, we acquire some of the same qualities that the military teaches.

So for me, becoming an observant Jew was a straightforward transition. Nothing else would suffice. I continue to learn and grow Jewishly. I'm even on the board of my synagogue now.

I ask myself, would I want my son, when one day God grants me one, to join the military? In both good Jewish and military tradition, I will cross that bridge when I get to it. My more immediate objective is to find my besheret (soul mate). However, I know that if my son does ever serve in the military, he'll be a better man and a better servant of God because of it.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 57

(53)
Rebekah Twilley,
January 13, 2016 6:13 AM

As an American Jew, my heart has always belonged to two countries: Israel and the USA. The only flag that strikes to the root of patriotism more than my red, white, and blue is the Israeli banner.
Growing up just south of the mason dixon in a rural part of the east coast, the population of Jews has never been abundent, and it has always been a struggle to feel the religious support that a thriving Jewish community brings. I have sometimes watched as my Catholic friends all attend mass and speak of God together with genuine love and desire to grow towards Him, it hits me how beautiful it would be to experience Judaism in that way.
Although Hashem has blessed me with an incredible, God-loving family, and amazing friends to encourage me. My best friend is Catholic, and we are endless supportive of each other's walks with God. Still, i have hoped to find a group of peers that share the view of Judaism and a relationship with God not as simply following traditions without personal growth, but as something relevant to everyday life and applicable to every decision. Unfortunately, support for that seems to be rare in the young adult community. Prayerfully it won't always be that way.
Although I will be, Lord willing, spending at least a year studying at Aish, and another two serving in the IDF, I've always been an All-American Girl, and wonder if following Judaism to Israel will mean eventually giving up America all together. There is obviously no question, if "All-Israeli" is how God wants me--I'll follow where He takes me. But I hope there's a way I can grow spiritually, and show my love for both of these beautiful countries. I suppose the point of this long tangent was simply to say that It is beautiful to hear how Hashem has worked in your life to do so much for your people and your country. Thank you, sir, for your service, and thank you for sharing.

(52)
Steve Marcus,
August 8, 2015 1:49 PM

thank you for your service!

Just finished reading "Semper Chai" (Howard J. Leavitt, XLibris, 2002) and was shocked to not see three Jewish Marines mentioned, not even in passing: 1) Actress Bea Arthur (even though she was ashamed of it)2) Actor Harvey Keitel3) Miranda Bloch, WWII Women Marines

When I was in high school I was gung-ho to join the US Military but my Zionism won out and I immigrated to Israel, eventually serving in the Nachal infantry brigade.

(51)
Anonymous,
February 26, 2015 11:14 PM

Wow! May I share this...

Thank you for sharing your story. My classmate in college was a Polish Catholic. She first went the evangelical route. Then she decided to convert to Jewish Orthodoxy. Fortunately, she married first and then they both converted. Her husband was Irish Catholic, childhood sweethearts, and he too was a proud marine! I do not know how they made it but they did.

(50)
Melech ben Judah,
August 31, 2014 4:51 PM

Déjà vu

I experienced a similar experience while in boot camp in the 50's. My DI, an avowed anti-semite would announce, "get my yids up here" and then say, "as you were, get my Jewish detail up here for church", Sabbath services were held on Sunday, for everyone. I remember waiting for the bus that would whisk us off to services in an empty office building where the Jews went into one classroom and the Seventh Day Adventists went into another, I was surprised to find that there were about two dozen recruits from every platoon on Parris Island. In addition, there were about ten non-recruits including, I recall a Major General. What impressed me the most was the camaraderie that we felt. Even the General asked us to refer to him by his first name while at services. The Chaplain was an ordained Rabbi from a local Temple near PI. They must have all passed the word to the "closet" Jews, because the following week, the numbers had doubled. A few guys told us that there were others who did not admit that they were Jewish for fear of being attacked by other recruits. I told them they should tell the deniers that if they were afraid of being attacked, get out of the Corps. It was a stupid comment, but then again, I was 17.

(49)
Michael Teichman Corbett,
April 28, 2013 8:42 PM

Being a Jewish Marine means not allwoing the mindless comments to affect your discipline and demeanor. Marines do the right thing, even those who know no better come to understand that a Marine is a Marine no matter his faith. After the Corps, think about the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, an opportunity to connect with others who have served during times of conflict and remain Jewish. I attended one Friday night service in Boot Camp (1964) and, attended a meeting about the "6-day war" in 1967, led by the Jewish Chaplain at PI. Other than that, the sum total of my religious experience in the USMC was saying the 'shema' every day in Vietnam. Frankly, I did not see much connection between the military and my Judaism until I joined the JWV so many years later; wish I had that connection while on duty.

(48)
Anonymous,
April 28, 2013 3:03 AM

IDF or Marine Corp?

I am now in college. I really want to serve my country, but "my" could mean two things. First being that I was born American to serve in the United States. Two since I am half Israeli, I mean I've been there every summer break to visit my family.

So I am leaning more toward the IDF because well I feel as if acceptance would be much easier. While I am not a sabra I am still a Jew serving my homeland. But if I were to serve in the Marine Corp I would be as everyone has described above...an outsider. Not to ramble on, but I could handle it but what do some one of you think?

Mike,
September 22, 2013 8:19 PM

That's absurd. I have served over 5 years in the Marine Corps as a Jew including a deployment to Afghanistan. I have met other Jews in the Marine Corps as well. The military in general means a lot of poking fun, nobody is immune. Black, White, Mormon, Asian, Jewish, Southern... you will be made fun of. I've never felt like an outsider.

Anonymous,
February 27, 2015 7:09 PM

I can't speak for the Marines but my son is serving in the US Air Force and he's never experienced those kind of issues. I met a Jewish "Marine Mom" on Facebook. Her son was killed while in the US Marines. She mentioned that the Jewish community praises those serving in Israel but not so much here.

Robin,
October 25, 2015 10:12 PM

Join the IDF

Join the IDF. That is where you belong.

(47)
Ari,
November 4, 2012 9:12 AM

IDF American looking to be a marine officer.

Thank you for sharing this. It was very inspiring. I am a Jewish American serving in the IDF. After my service here, I would really like to return to college back home and then become a marine officer. Does anyone know if this is possible? I only have American citizenship and not Israeli. Does anyone know if this is possible or is there anyone I can talk to about this?

Anonymous,
November 16, 2012 7:57 PM

Marine Officer programs

There are several programs to become a Marine Officer while attending college. The Platoon Leaders Course (summers), the standard OCS program, and some college Reserve Officer Training Programs. I suggest you contact Headquarters Marine Corps for more information.

(46)
roy warner,
February 17, 2012 2:11 AM

1969 Parris Island

As a NY Jew and Queens College student, Parris Island came as a shock in 1969. I received additional humiliation from my DIs as a Jew, not as a recruit; it was most pronounced when I turned down officer training because I wanted to finish college, go to law school and become a trial lawyer, which I eventually did. A Jewish Marine is very special, and I am proud to have served. Hopefully things have changed; General Magnus was Asst. Commandant about five or six years ago.

(45)
Ella,
June 20, 2011 2:58 AM

I was very pleased to read it

(44)
AL,
June 19, 2011 11:45 PM

Also a Jewish former Marine!

Thankfully my upbringing prepared my for the Marine Corp. After, I served 30 years as a professional Firefighter where I became the first Lieutenant of the Jewish faith to serve. SEMPER FI

(43)
Joel Rosenthal,
December 21, 2010 10:15 PM

I'm a Former Marine 81/85 & Jewish, Honorably Discharged, Corporal

If you want to contact me sometime and talk, my phone number is 802-343-2349. Leetrone.
Shalom.

(42)
Anonymous,
May 16, 2009 3:29 PM

Jewish Corpsman

I joined The Navy as a Hospital Corpsman back in 1993. When I joined I had no idea that a lot of us were sent to FMSS to be with The Marines. I spent my whole enlistment as a base plate humpin corpsman. I loved it! I never had a hard time being a jew with Marines. Some would talk shit but I wasn't too pc myself. After all I'm a Doc and we get away with lots of stuff. After 9/11 I reenlisted have done 2 tours and ready for 1 more. You all motivate me. Semper Fi/Anchors Aweigh!

(41)
Dyon,
July 12, 2008 8:03 PM

Being Jewish in the Marine Corps

I had a very difficult time being Jewish in the Marine Corps. I had alot of trouble in bootcamp, being allowed to attend shabbat services and not having to attend sunday christian services. After graduating bootcamp and entering the fleet, I told my SSGT I do not eat pork. I caught alot of flak about being Jewish and my dietary issues and was dubbed "the Jew" in my company.

(40)
Zipora Kramer,
April 12, 2008 9:09 PM

Looking for a Jewish Marine at Pendelton

We would like to invite a Jewish Marine to our 2nd Seder on Sunday.Please respond if you would like to join us in La Costa.

(39)
Jeremy,
March 31, 2008 11:19 AM

Great article

I have just signed up for the marine corp and your article has answered so many of my questions. thank you for writing it. SEMPER FI

(38)
Wayne Hallem,
February 6, 2008 1:45 PM

I was probably on the ship with you in the Gulf War for services

I am a Colonel in the Marine Corps and also served in Gulf War. I attended Chanukah services on a Navy ship and can only assume we were there together. It was a very memorable and unique experience. Best of luck to you.

(37)
Rick D'Loss,
January 20, 2008 8:41 PM

More than our fair share?

I am the president of a small congregation outside of Pittsburgh. I am a former Marine, and so was the president before me. We have two other Marines in our small congregation of 100 members. Not only are we blessed with Marines, we have a lot of Army, Navy, and Air Force vets as well.Semper Fi

(36)
J levine,
January 7, 2008 6:42 PM

The Few>>. has more than one meaning

My son just reently mustered out from the 1/ 25th teeh fourth eneration of my family to serve since Belieau Woods int e Corp. My grandfather was injured in the Tsar's army in th Crimea in 1915 gainst the TUrk's. His mother sent hi to Worchester,Ma as to prevent his return to the Rusiian army, by 1917 he spoke englisg well enough to be drafted into the USMC and serve in France with the AEF. My father was a paramarine assigned to the 4th Marines Taramwa through Okinowa. I was smart enought to go into the USAR as a 91B20 only to be TDYed with the 1 6 ay hou Lai. So maybe we are one tenth od one percent but we are, The few , the proud, the corp."

(35)
jared,
August 4, 2007 8:39 AM

shame on us!

distgusting!!!! that there are so few of us here. Former Jewish Marines, and soldiers (why any jewish boy would not give his life for the USA is beyond me) where are you? Whether you agree with Bush or not (I Don't), this nation supports us and Israel. Don't support him, I don't care, but at least support our troops!

(34)
K. Annie,
May 14, 2006 12:00 AM

Thank You

Mikhail Ekshtut I pray you have found your
besheret since you have wrote this article. My Father, who is gone, was a Marine, as was my younger brother. I remember his stories of being Jewish in the Corp...glad yours was better...may you and your seed be blessed.

(33)
Allen Falk,
April 21, 2004 12:00 AM

Greetings.

Dan: Semper fi & keep the faith.

(32)
Dan Berkovitz,
April 14, 2004 12:00 AM

I am a Jewish Marine.

I am a Jewish Marine serving with 5th BN 11th Marines 1st MARDIV. I used to be orthodox before the Corps, and was reminded of my background at the island. I would really appreciate if there was a stronger jewish presence here, but there isn't, and so, it makes keeping faith difficult. Semper Fidelis!

(31)
Allen Falk,
August 13, 2003 12:00 AM

Deja Vu

Mike: After one week at OCS, a gunny with a thick Boston Irish accent came into our squadbay & said: "Give me all the jews." There were two of us. I was scared stiff. I stood up, but the other guy did not. The gunny took me to the office of the (Lutheran) chaplain. He said he was happy to tell me he had arranged for me to attend Rosh Hashanah services up at Fort Belvoir. We had been told we would not leave Quanico for any reason until OCS was complete so I had given up thinking about attending services. I was joined by two other Marines from OCS (one of whom had a car) and off we went for a wonderful celebration of our Jewish holiday. Incidentally, the guy who didn't stand up washed out of OCS and had to start over again at Parris Island. I went on to serve as a Captain with the First Marine Division in Viet Nam where I had the honor of giving the Cohan's blessing to hundreds of Jewish personnel at High Holiday services at China Beach in 1969. I always found an opportunity in the Marine Corps to attend services including at the Jewish chapel in the NCO quarters at Camp Lejeune. Semper Fi. other guy did not. I was taken by the gunny to the office of the {Lutheran} Chaplin who said he was happy to tell me he had arranged for me to attend Rosh Hashannah Services

(30)
Michael Casper,
July 12, 2003 12:00 AM

Semper Fi brother from a former Marine officer.

I became interested in Judaism as an enlisted Marine and made a formal conversion complete with a brit one month before OCS. G-d gave me the strength to be a leader of Marines. It was tough at times and there was some bias from a few ignorant individuals, but the Marine Corps is a great fighting organization with an excellen Navy Chaplain's Corps to support it. Combine Judaism with what the Corps teaches you and you cannot go wrong.
We do not leave our wounded behind-always remember that and apply it to the Jewish Community and others as well.
Semper Fi

(29)
Bill Zack,
June 28, 2003 12:00 AM

As one Marine to another...

I commend you Marine! I too was a Marine, but, during the 70's. I kept my Jewishness to myself because of everything that was going on. You are a true hero. Semper Fi!

Bill

(28)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2003 12:00 AM

Jewish Marine

This article was strong, and i think you are STRONG individual, for having the chutzpah to do something very few people and even fewer jews do.

(27)
Sara Miller,
June 19, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your story and for your duty to the United States. You are a great person.

(26)
NEIL KLEIN,
June 14, 2003 12:00 AM

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES IS ALSO AN ELITE MILITARY ORGANIZATION!!!

MIKHAIL'S CHILDREN CAN SERVE AS OBSERVANT PROUD JEWS IN THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES!!!

I think what you did is a wonderful thing actually, a lot of fellow jews gave their lives for the US on the ww2 fighting against the nazis.
I think you should also try to serve in the Israeli military. You know tsahal is also one of the best. Congratulations about your contribution into the American dream and integration into the society.

(23)
Steven,
June 11, 2003 12:00 AM

There are more Jews in US uniforms

My friend, I am a polish born Jew and about to finish my 20 years in the Navy. I had my ups and downs but do not feel bad about it. I also wanted to be more than just an ordinary immigrant. I also served in desert storm and spend Pesah in saudi port jedah. Did my best to keep kosher, never forgot who I am and more than ever in my life, I FEEL AND AM PROUD TO BE JEWISH.

Shalom to all men in unoforms. Israeli military is the best though. No marine or army can get close.

(22)
Ken,
June 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Jewish observance and American military service

Thank you for your service. America is a wonderful country and it has been particularly wonderful for the Jews. Service in the American military is a great mitzvah and Jewish servicemembers are acting in the spirit of kiddush HaShem.

I served in the US Air Force. Since then I have become more observant, such that Reserve duty might have presented a variety of problems. I think that one could make a halachic argument that pikuach nefesh applies to military service -- that one can be permitted or even obligated to do that things that are normally prohibited when protecting America against the evil forces that threaten it. As it happens, for me this became moot because I was medically disqualified and couldn't reenter military service in a Reserve capacity.

(21)
Sarah Sousa,
June 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Your story gives me hope.

I work in a Chabad day camp during the summer and take care of a lot of non religous Jewish kids. Your stroy gave me hope. By knowing that you kept in touch with Yiddishkiet through the camp in your years of youth. I feel that my wish for the kids I take for during the summer to return is a good chance. Also, you helped me to see that there are a lot, B"H, of Jews out there that are returning to Hashem wiht a full heart and are making the right decisions, thank you for publishing your story!

(20)
Anonymous,
June 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Thanx

As usual thank you for putting out another great article, you can never imagine the good coming on to your clean, yiddishe website does for my neshamah. keep up the great work

(19)
Chiam Bates,
June 10, 2003 12:00 AM

USMC

Shokoah on your choice, however I believe that you can serve Hashem and your country at the same time. I have been in the Military for 18 years, and I am an Othodox Jew. While it has been difficult at times, it has been worth it. I just returned from a formal NCO school in California, and while I was there they provided me with Kosher Food both in the field and out of the field. I think that the military is slow to change but it is changing, realizing that they do have observant Jews in their ranks. After this deployment I am also thinking of getting out to be more observant, but I do the best that I can.

(18)
Anonymous,
June 10, 2003 12:00 AM

Beautiful Article!

I was moved to tears by this article.
Please thank this young man for sharing his story. It was very beautiful. No doubt he will find a wonderful life partner. Mazel Tov!

(17)
Shoshana,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Thanks

Thank you for telling us your story: we Jews can't have enough of proofs that there's nothing better than living plainly, fully, proudly as a Jew, because we live in a non-Jewish society... or in a non-religious Jewish community, who looks at us thinking something in us is weird...

Sayning "no" is not easy, ever, but we learn it's necessary and that's there's nothing else to do (except question of life and death, of course).
How many times was I asked, during my law studies, to "make an exception" for exams on shabbos.
Well, I didn't.
And what I learnt for all the "nos" I had to say, is that a non-Jew respects a Jew... when he behaves as a Jew.
Arent' we there, after all, to be Jews, and to be an example for others?

May G-d help you to find your bashirt very soon.

(16)
Joseph,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Sempre Fi My friend

I to was serving in the military as a Jew and I know what you have gone through. I Remember that no matter what I was called to do my heart celebrated the Shabbat even while seving this country. I still serve this country in a new role as a law enforcement special operations Unit and at times I am called to work so that a life may have to be saved.

I too was a Marine in the Beirut era (Purple Heart). God bless you my friend. I love Israel, Jews and the Corps. May God continue to bless Israel and may He bless the USA.

Though I am a Christian, I have nothing but respect and love for our Jewish brothers and sisters.

(14)
Janet Henning,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Enjoyed the article immensely.

I have great respect for this marine. It took courage to stand up and not be afraid to say what he was. The world needs more of him.

(13)
Yehoshua Friedman,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

An army for a nice Jewish boy

Mikhail, when G-d willing you have a son, I hope that you will be living in Israel and he will have the honor, privilege and mitzvah of defending our land and people in Tzahal, the Israel Defense Forces. Today it is possible to serve in the Nachal Chareidi, eat glatt kosher and have only male drill instructors. This is the army for a Jew to serve in -- the only one that defends our country and our people! Come here and find your beshert soon.

(12)
Morley Globerman,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

excellent article

A very uplifting story - I would like to receive more of them.

(11)
Meir Kirshner,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Brother, I can relate..

I became observant ten years ago when I was a senior at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. At the Academy, I tried to work the system to avoid melacha during Shabbat. After graduation, I was required to serve in the Navy Reserves for eight years.
Being an observant Jew in the U.S. military is very challenging. Unlike 99.9% of the military, you worry about what food you can eat, what arrangements you can make for Shabbat and Yom Tov. During peace time, there is really no heter to absolve you from keeping Shabbat in the military. While training with the U.S. Naval Academy on Reserve Duty, I told them that I was willing and able to do whatever it takes to save the lives of my fellow crewmates during an emergency aboard ship on Shabbat, but my participation on a routine Saturday must be limited. They respected me for it and were quite agreeable during my annual three week trips.
I wouldn't recommend observant Jews to join the U.S. military. They only way they let you be 100% shomer Torah mitzvos is if you are a chaplain, where it's you job to be Jewish!
May HaShem help you find your besheret soon!

(10)
Dani,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank You

Thank you for serving our country, our G-d, and your story.

(9)
Simmy,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Jewish Army

Make Aliyah and you can be Shomer Shabbat and in the best Army in the world!

(8)
Tony Norton,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Great Story. Terrific Inspiration

Loved your article about your experience in the Marine Corps. What determination to sign up for the military after having come from the old Soviet Union. Great example of gutrs and determination overcoming prejudice.

With every good wish

Tony Norton
London, England

(7)
Jake,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

Semper Fi

Semper Fi
(For those of you not familiar with the Marine Corps, that means “Always Faithful”)

This story hits pretty close to home for me. I have over 14 years service in the United States Marine Corps, joining the Marines was the most proud moment of my life, yet I also struggle with many of the same issues that Ekshtut (I don’t know his rank, which is how Marines address each other) has faced. I have slowly (very slowly J) been taking on more mitzvot, but the issue of training on Shabbat seems insurmountable.
Right now leaving the Marine Corps is not an option, as the U.S. is at war and I would feel like I was deserting my country in its time of need, if I resigned my commission now.
There are a few Jewish Marines, not a lot, but every unit I have been in has always had a handful. Our experiences have been varied, to be sure, but mine have been entirely positive. I have never experienced anti-Semitism what so ever in my 14 years of service, something I cannot say for my experience in the more left-leaning civilian world.
Mr. Ekshtut is right on when he talks about God as his C.O. (Commanding Officer). I never held by this “touchy-feely” mystical stuff, we pray and keep the mitzvot because God has given us a direct order, and every good Marine obeys his C.O. without question.
Thanks for the great article.

Major S

(6)
devorah,
June 9, 2003 12:00 AM

interesting

Shkoach, on leaving the military for Shabbat. It's the trust and the faith that you have, that proves as inspiration for the rest of the Jews around the world.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Look after yourself and keep smiling.

(5)
Rena L.,
June 8, 2003 12:00 AM

INSPIRING

Mike-you never stop inspiring me! Keep up the great work.

(4)
Miles Daniel Herman, Esq.,
June 8, 2003 12:00 AM

Great story!

I was moved by your experience, and was pleased to read that you were treated well by the U.S. service. I was reminded of the author Chaim Potok who spent time as a Chaplain (Army, I believe ...) in Korea for many months. Good luck. I hope you find your besheret soon!

(3)
Meredith,
June 8, 2003 12:00 AM

Answering the call

It's amazing to me the many ways that HaShem pulls us toward Himself. It's encouraging that no matter where we are, He is there, beckoning. Thank you for the reconfirmation of this truth.

(2)
Sally Henning,
June 8, 2003 12:00 AM

Bless you

May you be blessed for the example you set.

(1)
Charlie Miller,
June 8, 2003 12:00 AM

oo rah!

As a former Naval Officer I was one of those 50 or so observant Jews in the US military. I extend my deepest regards and respect for Mikhail's courage and commitment. He is a shining example of our finest demonstrating a connection to their faith and country.

I’ve heard the argument made that Jews should not buy German products, for example Volkswagen cars which used Jewish slave labor during the war. It is wrong for Jews to support German industries?

My cousin says we should just forgive and forget. I would like your thoughts on the subject.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The great rabbi known as the Chazon Ish once said that if a Torah scroll was found burning, and a man used it to light his cigarette, there is no Jewish law that forbids it. Nevertheless, doing so would show a lack of sensitivity. So too, Jewish law does not forbid purchasing a German car.

Regarding the "demand for forgiveness," people often quote the Bible that when one is struck, it is proper to "turn the other cheek" and allow that cheek to be struck as well. But that only appears in the Christian Bible. Jews believe in fighting actively against evil.

Almost all people are inherently good and so we should forgive their lapses. But some people are truly evil – for example, Amalek, the ancient nation which wantonly attacked the Jews leaving Egypt.

Over two millennia ago when Haman (a descendant of Amalek) was commanded by the king to lead his enemy Mordechai through the streets of Shushan, Mordechai was too weak to climb on to the horse. Haman had to stoop to allow Mordechai to use his back as a stepping stool. In the process, Mordechai delivered a vicious kick to Haman which obviously startled him.

Turning to Mordechai in bewilderment, Haman asked: "Does it not say in your Bible, 'Do not rejoice at your enemy's downfall?'" Mordechai responded that indeed it does, but it refers only to people less evil than Haman. So too, we have no reason or allowance to forgive the Nazis and their helpers. Those who scraped the concrete in the gas chambers gasping for air can choose whether to forgive the Germans. We cannot.

In 1977, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat addressed the Knesset in Jerusalem. Sadat was the first Arab leader to officially visit Israel, after receiving an invitation from Menachem Begin. Sadat had orchestrated the Egyptian attack on Israel in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, but after suffering defeat became resigned to the existence of the State of Israel. Much of the Arab world was outraged by Sadat's visit and his change of strategy. One year later, Sadat and Begin signed the Camp David Peace Agreement, for which they received the Nobel Peace Prize. As part of the deal, Israel withdrew from the Sinai peninsula in phases, returning the entire area to Egypt by 1983.

There are many tasks, jobs, and chores that we will end up
doing whether we really enjoy doing them or not. Many hours of our lives are spent this way. The late Rabbi Chaim Friedlander, of Ponevehz Yeshivah, used to say, "If you are going to do it anyway, do it with joy."

Train a young lad according to his method, so that when he grows older he will not deviate from it (Proverbs 22:6).

He shall not deviate from it - the child will not deviate from the method with which he was taught. That method refers to the way we are taught to adapt to life's many hurdles, struggles, and tests.

Education consists of more than just imparting knowledge; it also means training and preparation in how to deal with life. Knowledge is certainly important, but is by no means the sum total of education.

"A person does not properly grasp a Torah principle unless he errs in it" (Gittin 43b). People usually do not really grasp anything unless they first do it wrong. In fact, the hard way is the way to learn. Children learn to walk by stumbling and picking themselves up; young people learn to adjust to life by stumbling and picking themselves up.

Parents and teachers have ample opportunities to serve as role models for their children and students, to demonstrate how to adapt to mistakes and failures. If we show our children and students only our successes, but conceal our failures from them, we deprive them of the most valuable learning opportunities.

We should not allow our egos to interfere with our roles as educators. Parents and teachers fulfill their obligations when they become role models for real life.

Today I shall...

try to share with others, especially with younger people, how I have overcome and survived my mistakes.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...